I have an extensive background in teaching inner city middle school so I had to hone my Managing Student Behavior skills very quickly. I became very good at being approachable and friendly but still maintaining authority as the teacher/instructor in the room. I worked very hard to make sure that students enjoyed my company and genuinely respected me without giving up command for friendship. Even now that I'm teaching adults, I use the same tactics. I listen. I offer to help when I can. I keep in mind that a student being angry, disruptive or disengaged might not have anything to do with me or my teaching. However, if students know that I'm on their side and will do my best to have their back, they're less likely to vent frustrations at me during class and more likely to come to me privately if there's an issue.
